Mam-Ma'S Apple Butter(Mountain Style)
Mountain-style apple butter with rich apple flavor and sweetness, perfect for spreading on bread or toast, suitable for fall gatherings and family favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare and grind fresh apples into applesauce using 8 quarts or 16 cans of 16 oz. for fresh apples.
- Gather 16 cups of sugar, adjusting for tartness if necessary, and 6 boxes of Sure-Jell.
- Set up a large 16-quart metal dish pan, 18 pint cans and lids, and necessary utensils including a large stirring spoon, ladle, funnel, and medium spoon.
- Move the oven rack to the bottom (second notch).
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Combine the prepared applesauce, sugar, and Sure-Jell in the dish pan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Ladle hot apple butter into sterilized jars or cans, seal, and process as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple butter as it cooks. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the applesauce further before combining with sugar and Sure-Jell. Remember to adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your apples, and feel free to substitute some sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Mam-Ma's Apple Butter is perfect for spreading on warm toast or biscuits. It also pairs beautifully with Fresh Peach Fried Pies for an indulgent breakfast or dessert. Serve alongside cream cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer, or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of apple butter in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use within a month. For reheating, simply microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stove, stirring to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mam-Ma'S Apple Butter(Mountain Style) contains roughly 2686 calories, with 27g protein, 346g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1549mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve a balanced flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji work well together, enhancing the overall taste of the apple butter.
How can I tell when the apple butter is done cooking?
The apple butter is ready when it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. It should not be runny; if it is, continue cooking and stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is it necessary to use Sure-Jell for this recipe?
While Sure-Jell helps achieve the right consistency and preserves the apple butter, you can make it without it. Just be aware that the texture may be different and you may need to adjust cooking times.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).